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A lot or a little?

The parents' guide to what's in this music.

Positive Messages

"I Need a Hand" is a sentimental song about safety rules, like crossing the street by holding the hand of some you love.

Violence & Scariness

Sexy Stuff

Language

Consumerism

Drinking, Drugs & Smoking

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this is a retro, swingin' CD that draws from lots of traditional American music styles to make a kid-friendly compilation perfect for the toddler and preschool crew. Kids will get an intro to bluegrass, roots, and doo-wop music while listening to stories about fish, frogs, and racecars as sung by the fatherly Ben Rudnick and his musical friends.

What's the story?

The Americana roots-infused family music band Ben Rudnick & Friends is back with its fifth release, A FROG NAMED SAM. The CD offers a mix of original tunes, instrumentals, and some old favorites. The title track is about a frog that moves to the big city to start a rock band but then misses his old pond friends. Classics like "Old Joe" and "Erie Canal" round things out.

Is it any good?

Eschewing typical cartoony kids' music, Ben Rudnick & Friends' offer up a mix Allman Brothers Band-style southern rock with the groovy eclecticism of a band like Phish. The silly and singable lyrics are addictive, and the band's musicianship is outstanding. Young ears will get to know the sounds of the saxophone, ukulele, dobro and mandolin and will find it easy to dance, sing-along, and bang some pots and pans to these high-energy tracks.

Talk to your kids about ...

Families can talk about how different instruments sound. There are at least 15 instruments used to create the music you hear on this CD. Can you identify any of the instruments being played? What instruments sound deep and booming and what instruments sound high-pitched like a bird singing? Do you hear any instruments you would like to try to play?

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